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Resident warns of illegal dirt‑bike activity in southwest Pueblo West; board and staff cite enforcement limits
Summary
A long‑time resident told the board off‑highway vehicles and dirt bikes are using district open space and utility easements near Track 316; staff and board members said enforcement rests with the county sheriff and options include increased county patrols, signage, and a possible future dedicated off‑highway vehicle park.
A Pueblo West resident told the board that off‑highway vehicles (dirt bikes and ATVs) are repeatedly trespassing on open space in the far southwest of the district and creating public‑safety and property‑damage concerns.
Eugene (Jay) O'Neil, who lives at 914 South Charlo Drive, told the board his backyard abuts the wildlife area and that recent days have seen extensive illegal riding. “It’s just gotten out of control,” O'Neil said, warning that “we're gonna kill kids out there.” He said he had contacted fire department leadership previously and had worked with the district’s wildlife contact on some issues.
District Manager Christian J. Hein and Parks Director Carol Cosby described limits to the district’s enforcement authority. Hein said the district owns some easements and trails and staff can request violators stop, but formal enforcement and citations require coordination with the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office. Cosby said, “We try, but even when we’re not there... by time you get to them, they’re gone,” noting trail users often are no longer present when staff or law enforcement arrive.
Board members suggested steps including posting more signs, requesting increased sheriff patrols, and, longer term, exploring a dedicated off‑highway vehicle park to provide a legal place to ride. Staff also said they are preparing a subdivision vacation plat (track 317/316) and pursuing county planning steps that, if approved, could open additional options to address dumping and trespass on that property.
